Drug and alcohol abuse is a big problem here and our communities need to find ways to deal with it, islands leaders said when they met in Old Massett March 13. The recent rash of break-ins in Masset is almost certainly being done by addicts who need quick money, RCMP Sgt. Jim Vardy told the protocol communities meeting. This is just one way in which an entire community can be affected by drug and alcohol addiction. "People now are feeling unsafe in the villages of Masset and Old Massett," Sgt. Vardy said. "The whole community has to get involved." [continues 411 words]